Chapter One

“Love at first sight doesn’t exist. There is, however, love after five orgasms in one

boinking.”

—Maya O’Connell, Prima of the Ridgeville Pride and woman in love. Alex is

such a giver…

The alluring, seductive scent of his mate woke Gavin Mara from a dead-to-the-

world sleep. He bolted upright with a gasp, rock-hard cock stiff between his legs and a

sheen of sweat on his brow. He drew the flavors into his lungs, and he had no doubt

that his mate was a cat…and very, very close by.

He took a deep breath… Yes, she was a purring lioness. He knew those

underlying, feline scents. He’d been visiting his sister Elise in Ridgeville ever since

she’d mated her werelion Brute, and Gavin had come to recognize the various shifters

the town held.

Lioness.

Would she roar for him? Or better yet, purr?

The heavy aroma of breakfast from downstairs in the Drool and Dine reached

out to him, distracting him momentarily. Well, his stomach, anyway.

Each time he visited his sister, he rented the room above the diner, unwilling to

share Elise and Brute’s home. He liked the guy. He just didn’t want to listen to his sister

have sex with the gigantic lion.

Rushing from the bed, he scrounged around for something to wear. He was

spending his last week of peace in Ridgeville, and he’d wanted to visit with Elise before

he began his job in Chicago with the Council. They’d hired him to be the Director of

Communications. He snorted. Tech support with a fancy name.

Gavin tossed clothes around, sending T-shirts flying as he hunted for something

freaking clean to put on. God, he should have taken his sister up on her offer to do his

laundry a few days ago. But he’d had a plan, a stack of quarters, and a Laundromat

down the street. Right. Digging into the bottom of his suitcase, he came up victorious,

clutching a semi-wrinkled, thin T-shirt he’d forgotten about.

“I Lick!” was emblazoned across the front in bright red letters.

His sister thought it’d get him a little action since “all ladies like a little

downtown lovin’.”

Another round of searching netted him a pair of jeans with some sort of weird

stain on the leg. He brought the fabric to his nose and sniffed. Well, at least it wasn’t a

toddler by-product. He’d gotten enough of that from the pride Prima’s twins. The

fuckers were messy little things.

The A/C kicked on, and more of his mate’s alluring scent drifted to him. Shit, he

needed to get down there. Now. Before she managed to get away from him.

Gavin rushed to the front door, slipping into a pair of worn sneakers on the way,

and then he was outside, pounding down the metal steps. Clang clang clang clang. He

sprinted around the side of the building and raced toward the front entrance.

He looked through the windows and scanned faces while he ran, attention

adeptly split between the space in front of him and the interior of the diner. He

recognized the werebear owner, Seno, and his wolf mate, Alice. A few other pride lions

occupied the restaurant, as well as some rabbits and a wolf or two.

He rounded a corner, and then it was only three strides to the front door. He

gripped the handle and practically tore it from its hinges, the need for his mate spurring

him on. The slam of the metal and glass panel against the exterior of the building had

everyone inside falling quiet. The hush rolled across the diner, and all eyes focused on

him.

He stepped inside, took a deep breath and drew more of his mate’s arousing

scent into his lungs. She was still here, her aromas concentrated within the room. They

called to him with invisible arms. Another step in. Then another. Seno, a big bear of a

man, rounded the counter. With a frown etched onto his features, he closed the distance

between them.

“Gavin.” The man’s growl was a deep rumble.

He waved the bear away and inhaled again, hunting for the source of the

alluring fragrance. He moved to the left, nose raised.

Seno cut him off. “Gavin.”

Gavin growled, curling his lip and baring a fang. “Mine. Mate.”

His fox had taken over, the beast within searching for the woman who belonged

to him. To them.

The bear’s eyes widened, but he backed up. “Gavin?”

Suddenly Elise was there, her attention shifting from his shirt to him and back

again. “You wore it! I’m so excited.” His sister grinned and then frowned. “We should

have added ‘a lot’ to it. Or would that be false advertising? I don’t want too much info,

but we want to be accurate. Do you, you know, do it a lot?” Elise gagged. “Never mind,

even asking the question made me throw up a little in my mouth. I take it back.”

Gavin squeezed his eyes shut, ignoring Seno and Elise while absorbing the

essence of his mate. He inhaled, let the scent fill his lungs, and released it in a rush. It

was stronger now, and Elise carried hints of the aroma.

He grabbed his sister’s shoulders, leaned down and ran his nose along Elise’s

neck before pulling back. “Where is she?”

“Where’s who?” Elise wiggled away from him.

“His mate.” Seno answered her question while Gavin fought for control.

Close close close.

Elise stilled. “Your mate? And I smell like her?”

He jerked his head in a nod.

“Uh.” She glanced over her shoulder and then back to him. “The only non-mated

woman I’ve been around all morning is Gina.”

Gina.

He let his mate’s name roll through his mind, tasted it on his tongue. Gavin

and Gina. Cute.

They’d name their cubs and pups Gabriel and Gemma. A big “G”

family.

Gavin followed his sister’s gaze across the diner, and his attention fell on the

corner booth packed full of women. He recognized Maya (the pride Prima), Carly (a

rabbit), Maddy (a lioness) and Elly (a squirrel) all sitting together. But there was a

single, gorgeous, seductive woman he didn’t recognize.

“She’s here?” He could smell the sudden case of nerves that filled his little sister.

“Elise?”

She nodded. “Yeah. The brunette next to Maddy.”

It had to be her: the brown-haired, hazel-eyed goddess hidden among the

Ridgeville pride’s troublemakers. He let his gaze linger on her long wavy hair, her

round face, wide eyes, pert nose, and lush mouth. The cut of her shirt allowed him to

see a hint of her abundant cleavage, and he noticed more than one man appreciating the

same view.

Gavin growled. “Elise? I need…” He snarled.

“Okay, okay,” she stroked his arm and then twined her fingers with his. “Let’s

go.” A slight tug got him moving. “No growling though. She’s had a rough time after

Jenner and all that. It’s been a year and a half, but… She doesn’t need you being a

meanie.”

He recalled the lion who’d tormented his sister. Jenner had been living a double

life as both a depraved member of Freedom and a Ridgeville pride member. And the

man had dated Gina through it all. His Gina.

Even though Alistair McCain was dead, courtesy of Ridgeville’s newest resident

squirrel, Elly Karn, Jenner was still in permanent custody by order of the Council.

“Never. I never would. I’ll make her so happy, sis.” The closer they got, the more

he saw. The small mole near the corner of her left eye. A tiny scar on her chin.

Her beguiling scent grew stronger with every step, slinking through him and

wrapping around his cock like a ghostly hand. He rapidly closed the distance between

them, and then she was there before him.

“Gina, this is my brother, Gavin.”

He extended his hand and she answered his silent request, placing her fingers on

his palm. The skin-on-skin touch sent a bolt through him, a rough zing of electricity and

pleasure racing along his nerves.

“Gavin, this is—”

Gavin’s fangs burst from his gums, lengthening in preparation of claiming his

lioness. “Mine.”

*

Oh.

Oh wow.

Gina took a deep breath, drawing in the scents of heavy oak, dirt, and all around

deliciousness.

This. This is what a mate smelled like. The feelings weren’t forced, and her

lioness didn’t have to be convinced. This was her mate. Her man. Their man.

With Jenner, she’d had to cajole the cat into being happy with the male lion.

She’d deluded the feline into agreeing to be with him. And then… And then they had

found out Jenner had been working for his cousin Alistair McCain, the leader of

Freedom. He’d been one of the men who’d raped her new friend Elise while Freedom

held her captive.

But this guy… Gavin.

Heat tingled through her with Gavin’s touch, the warmth of his fingers somehow

crawling deep into her body and grabbing hold of her soul. He was her match, her other

half.

He didn’t release her fingers, but held on as he eased closer to her. She sat at the

edge of the circular booth, the rest of the women crowded in beside her.

With Gavin’s pronouncement—the single word she felt all the way down to her

essence—their corner of the world exploded.

“Mate?” Maya screeched.

“I don’t think so, mutt.” Carly jumped in.

“What does he lick?” Gina recognized the laughter in Maddy’s voice. “Because if

I wasn’t mated…” The woman purred, miming a claw and scratching the air.

Gina snarled at the other lioness, baring a fang. Hers. All hers.

“Well, no reason to get your vagina in a bunch,” Maddy harrumphed.

When Gina turned back to Gavin, she found heat and a bit of cocky bravado in

his gaze. Jerk.

Sexy as hell jerk.

Where lions tended to be wide and heavily muscled, her mate was long and lean.

The man topped six feet and was head-to-toe hotness. Beneath his thin T-shirt, she

could see the carved lines of his body. She wanted to nip each one, and by allowing her

tongue to transform a tiny bit, see how he liked the cat’s rough lick.

A smile formed on his lips, and she returned the expression. A small curl fell

across his brow, the lock catching the early morning light, and she restrained the urge to

brush it aside. His eyes sparkled a deep, dark brown. Not quite black and not some blah

color everyone else in the world possessed. No, it was deeper, a hue that drew a person

into its depths. Gavin lured her with his gaze, pulled her in with the carved muscles

that coated his body and the seductive scent that flowed from him in a constant stream.

Her lioness purred, stretching and flexing her nails in Gina’s mind. The kitty

wanted to rub against the man. Mmm… The fox. He was a fox. Literally and

figuratively.

Gavin grasped her fingers securely, claiming more of her and rubbing his thumb

over her palm in a small, alluring circle. Her body melted, and tendrils of arousal

plucked her nerves. The cat craved him like a drug, and the human half of her wanted

to fondle him. She ached to trace those corded muscles and see which spots would

make him moan. Gina wasn’t normally Wonder Slut, but this was her mate. Slutasticness

was called for. Necessary even.

The arguments and exclamations surrounded them, but her gaze was intent on

Gavin. Nothing mattered but him.

“Do you think there’s a licking hall of fame? I bet there is.”

“Dude! Can we not talk about licking anything? He’s my brother.”

“You bought him the shirt. Hell, you were just asking him if you should have

added ‘a lot’.” Maddy tapped her ear. “Super hearing. I haz it.”

“I don’t want my girl mating a butt-sniffer. Is he housetrained? I mean, Elise was,

but you never know about boys.”

“Is he gonna pee on her? Dogs do that, right?”

A grin threatened to emerge, laughter battling with her desire, and she nibbled

her lower lip. Gavin’s focus centered on her mouth, and she let her tongue peek out to

wet her lips. His eyes darkened, and the scorching scent of his need wafted over her.

Silence descended on their table. Gina tore her attention from her mate and focused on

the women only to find her friend’s gazes on her and Gavin.

Maya cleared her throat. “Okay then. Puppy gets the pussy.”

A low rumbling growl came from Gavin, the sound traveling through his hand

and right into her, shaking her from inside out. Of course, it slid right to her clit,

thrumming the bundle of nerves.

Gavin’s nostrils flared, and pure unadulterated desire poured from his gaze. His

white fangs peeked from beneath his upper lip. He tilted his head to the side as if

asking her permission to take them out of the diner, and she nodded her agreement.

That fast, he had her out of the seat and following in his wake. He didn’t drag

her to the front door. Instead, he tugged her behind the counter and back through the

kitchen.

“Just cuttin’ through, man.” Gavin yelled to the bear, giving Seno a smile and a

wave as he passed.

Mimicking her mate, Gina opened her mouth to say “hello”, but she didn’t get a

chance to pause for niceties. They went from the kitchen to the storeroom and then

were in the back parking lot. She kept pace with Gavin as he pounded up the rusted

metal stairs that hugged the back wall, giggling with every step. The man was

practically running to the apartment. She remembered that his sister Elise had rented

the space at one time. It’d been gutted and redone after Jenner destroyed the place in an

effort to run Elise out of town.

Unease slammed into her, memories of Jenner and his lies assaulting her with

each move closer to the door.

Gavin froze, turning toward her. “Baby?” Worry inched into his features.

“Sorry,” she waved her hand. “I’m being stupid and—”

He backtracked to her, wrapped his arms around her waist and tugged her close.

Gina’s lioness purred in response, loving the feel of his lean body against her curves.

“Shh…” He stroked her hair and she nuzzled him. “I shoulda thought.” He

sighed. “We cleansed the place, tore everything out, and Seno even got one of his witch

friends to ‘purify’ the space. Brute and my sister “helped.” Though, she winked when

she said it, and I so don’t wanna know. Plus, with Elise happy now, I kinda push away

the past. We can put on the brakes and slow down. Maybe go somewhere else.”

She shook her head. No, that’s not what she wanted. At. All. “No, I’m being a

baby.” Her emo bullshit crap was nothing compared to what Elise went through with

the apartment and Jenner and… If Gavin was cool, so was she. “I’ve got my mate, and I

want to be alone with him. Driving over to the motel so isn’t happening.”

Gina hugged him, tugging him tighter against her body. She rocked her hips,

shivering at the feel of the hard cock branding her.

“Yeah?” His voice was strangled.

“Yeah.” She grinned, loving the bit of control she had over her mate. Gavin was

trembling in her arms, his eyes now looking more like his inner-fox than human. If she

wasn’t mistaken, his claws were digging into her back. If she hadn’t been turned on

before, she sure as hell was now.

Gavin leaned down and pressed his face against her neck, the rough scrape of his

morning scruff causing goose bumps to race over her skin. “Good.”

He took a deep breath, and then warm air bathed her. His scent wrapped her in a

welcoming blanket. A shudder overtook him and he stepped away, putting space

between their bodies. Without another word, they were on the move again, stomping

up the stairs toward their destiny.

Okay, that sounded lame. True, but lame.

Chapter Two

“Never, ever be nervous about having sex. Women are always awesome. If there’s no big

‘O’, it’s his fault. That’s your story and you’re sticking to it.

”—Maya O’Connell, Prima of

the Ridgeville Pride and total sex-pert.

A lot of people say that when they are nervous, butterflies take up residence in

their stomachs.

Gavin got rhinos. Giant, ungainly, dangerous beasts that stomped and frolicked

on his intestines, and the urge to vomit stabbed at him. His rising cock deflated the

moment they crossed the apartment’s threshold. Gina followed him, her scent teasing

his fox with its alluring flavors, but he couldn’t shove down the unease.

He’d found his mate, for fuck’s sake. And wasn’t that scary as hell.

She strode past him into the renovated apartment, and he tried to look at it

through her eyes. He noted the bright walls, splashes of pale color that lightened the

tiny area. Furniture had been purchased from the local stores, and the apartment

appeared brand new. He remembered what Jenner had done, remembered Elise’s

descriptions of cow’s blood splattering the walls. With Jenner out of the picture, Gavin

tended to forget that the apartment was anything other than a place to crash when he

came to town. But Gina had lived through the worry and danger, and he’d brought her

to the scene of one of many crimes committed by her ex.

“Gina…” He ran a hand through his hair.

“You’re a worrier, aren’t you?” His sweet mate snared his fingers and hauled

him to the couch, shoving him down and then plopping sideways onto his lap. Her

plump ass caressed his dick, and his erection returned in full force. “No worrying

today.”

She laid her head on his shoulder and relaxed against him. Taking her laidback

pose at face value, he let his hands wander, allowing himself to explore his clothed

lioness.

“None? No worrying?” His voice was a foxy growl, his canines aching to rip her

bare and sink into her skin. They’d exchange blood and saliva and be bound together

forever. “How about concerns?”

Concerns? Right. Another way to say “worry.” His beast didn’t want to address

worries or concerns or doubts. He wanted his cock inside her and fangs piercing her. In

that order. It was his human half that realized there were a handful of things to discuss

first. Like: where they were going to live.

He stroked her back, tracing the delicate line of her spine from lower hip to neck

and back again. With his other hand, he followed her leg, caressing the exposed skin

below the hem of her flowing skirt and down to her knee. On his return, he delved

beneath the light fabric, searching out her heat.

Gina nuzzled his neck, her silken skin sliding over him and transferring her scent

to his body. “Concerns? Like positions? I’m flexible,” she giggled, and even that made

his dick pulse.

God, he was being a wishy-washy girl. Talk or bang. Damn, now he sounded like

a dick.

When she patted his chest, finger tracing his nipple, he tore his palm from her

leg. He grasped her wayward digits, halting her ministrations. “Concerns. Like, what

do you do? Where do you live? Practical stuff.”

With a huff, she laid her forehead on his shoulder. “Fine. Practical stuff and then

I’m pouncing. Cats do that.”

Gavin rolled his eyes, chuckling deep and taking note of the shiver that overtook

her body. “K. You know I don’t live in Ridgeville. I was living with the Skulk in

Virginia.” At her nod, he continued. “Well, I was hired by the Council as the Director of

Communications. Elly killed Alistair, and his absence left his brother Niall in charge.

The man has been trying to right Alistair’s wrongs, and the Council is having

difficulties keeping up with everything. Hell, you heard about the trouble with Deuce

and Tess. The Council is pretty sure that was just a hint of some bigger problems. My

job is to keep the rescue teams in touch with each other and ensure that the network can

handle the extra load. This was supposed to be my last visit to Ridgeville for a while

because I’m moving to Chicago.”

Silence descended, the quiet enveloping them for one beat, then two. “Chicago?”

“Yup. But now…”

“But now you have a mate whose life is in Ridgeville. And she’s also got three

ex-Freedom captives living in her home.”

His stomach churned. “Yeah.”

Gina raised her head, her golden eyes meeting his. Her lioness peered out at him

from behind those glowing orbs. “I’m a teacher and I can get a job anywhere.” She took

a deep breath. “The only lingering hitch would be the females currently staying with

me. And I think… I think they’re doing a lot better. Maddy and Elise have been

working with them daily for the last month. Plus, there are plenty of other members of

the pride who are itching to help out.” Gina nibbled her lower lip. “I’m not trying to be

callous and brush them off. I just really, really want to be with you.”

The truth seeped into him, sending shining happiness through his veins. Her

devotion to those women touched his heart, but her desire to be with him touched

something decidedly lower. “So that means you’re willing to come to Chicago?”

“That means I’m willing to come to Chicago.”

“Even though you don’t know me from Adam?” He raised a single brow.

“You’re Elise’s brother. She’s wonderful, so you can’t be too horrible. Besides, I’ll

sic Maya on you if you’re mean.”

“Evil witch.” He growled, but she’d agreed to move with him, and that’s what

mattered. The timeline could be dealt with…later.

Gavin couldn’t hold his fox back, the beast advancing with a massive lunge. He

leaned forward and snared her lips, slanted his mouth over hers and slipped his tongue

into her. Her natural flavors flowed into him, and he gobbled up every morsel. Sweet,

seductive strawberries and cream danced over his taste buds.

Gina shifted in his lap, ass grinding against his growing hardness. Her

movements yanking a groan from his chest.

Need thundered through him, his beast hammering his control as he drank from

her lips. Delicate whimpers echoed his booming growls, confirming that his gentle

lioness was just as affected. The musky, tempting scent of her arousal drifted into the

air, and his dick stiffened further.

Gina turned and pressed her chest to his, her stiff nipples searing his chest. Yes,

his lioness was aroused, needy and craving him. She changed position again, pulling

away but returning just as fast to straddle him. The heat of her pussy burned his cock.

The source of that tormenting aroma was now snug along his length. She ground

against him, pressing her hips down and stroking him with her panty-clad pussy.

“Gavin…” she murmured into his lips, breaking their kiss long enough to gasp

out his name.

“Mmm…” He stroked her back, starting at her shoulders and ending with the

lush globes of her ass. He squeezed and kneaded the abundant flesh, urging her to rock

against him, silently begging her to take and give pleasure.

She flexed her hips, increasing the pressure, and his cock throbbed within the

confines of his jeans. His dick was primed and ready, aching to sink into her moist heat

and fuck her until she screamed with her release.

Another grinding press, another pulse of arousal threatening his control.

Gavin wrenched his mouth from hers, resting their foreheads together while

panting into her kiss-swollen lips. “Damn, baby.”

Gina whimpered. “I like that. ‘Baby’. Not ‘kitten’ or ‘kit’ or ‘pussy.’ My cat has

nothing to do with it, I’m just your ‘baby.’”

“Always. You’re more than your lioness. You’re a gorgeous, beautiful woman.

More importantly, you’re mine.”

She purred. “Yours.”

“Uh-huh. Mine. My mate. My baby. My woman.” And he ached to claim her.

“Ready to be mine?” He squeezed her ass, loving the way she filled his hands. She was

perfect for him, all plump curves he couldn’t wait to nibble and nip.

“Oh yeah.”

He nudged her from his lap, immediately missing the heat of her pussy against

his throbbing cock.

The moment he gained his feet, he reached for her hand and twined their fingers

together. He led her through the tiny apartment and straight to the bedroom. There,

once again, he tried to see the room through her eyes, noting the queen-sized bed, the

small end tables and bright walls. It was quaint and neat, apart from his shirts and jeans

strewn everywhere from his earlier hunt for clothes, and a little homier than a hotel.

The space wasn’t his den, but it would do for now.

Gina crowded him, plastering her body to his back.

He turned his head and kissed her nose. “My new place is bigger, more

comfortable. I found this old brownstone with wood floors and—”

Gina pinched his neck with her wicked fangs. “I’m sure it’s perfect. And you can

claim me there as soon as we move in. But I’m more interested in now, puppy.”

He spun, grabbed her and switched places with his teasing mate. “Puppy? Does

that mean you go from baby to kitten?”

Her answer was a giggle.

He nudged her until she stood before the bed, and he recognized the lust in her

eyes. “Ready, baby?”

She nodded.

With quick movements, he divested her of clothes, stripping away her blouse,

then skirt and sandals. Curves were revealed, willingly bared to him, along with

creamy skin that practically screamed for his touch. He traced her hips, slid his palms

higher over the dip of her waist, and on to her full breasts. He cupped them, taking the

heavy weight of them in his hands and brushing the hardened nipples with his thumbs.

She shivered.

He grinned, meeting her gaze. “Feel good?”

Gina stepped closer, her hands going into action, stroking his arms, shoulders,

waist, and then coming to caress his cloth-covered, hardened length. “Don’t know.

Does this feel good?”

He groaned and rocked his hips into her movements. “Yeah, baby.”

She brushed her lips across his. “Do you think I’ll feel better?”

Gavin released her breasts, reached around his mate and found the clasp of her

bra. A quick snap freed her, the bit of fabric gone as quickly as if it’d never existed.

“Definitely.” He brushed her touch aside and fell to his knees, bringing him eye-

level with her tormenting pussy. He hooked his thumbs beneath the elastic of her

panties and tugged, intent on divesting her of the silk. Sliding them down an inch, he

leaned forward, salivating at the idea of tasting her.

“Nu-uh,” she said, and stepped away. “I want to come with you inside me.”

He growled, leaned forward and nipped her hip, but let her nudge his hands

away. Beneath his gaze, she slid her panties from her body. Her pussy was shielded

from his view by a dusting of dark curls, and he couldn’t wait to lap at the hidden

treasures. “Damn, baby.”

“Your turn.”

He rose, and she stepped up to him, tugging on his shirt. He helped her along,

kicking off his sneakers and allowing her to open his jeans. Her fingers petted his skin,

heating and arousing him further with her touch. Digits danced over his pulsing cock,

teasing his hips and scraping his thighs.

In moments he was nude, and he didn’t hesitate to pull her close once again. He

kissed her, delving into her mouth and searching out more of her taste. She wouldn’t

allow him to lick her pussy, but the fox wanted her flavors on his tongue. The warmth

of her skin stroked his cock, and the thick length begged to sink deep into her weeping

cunt.

“Want…” her word was muffled against his lips, “…to ride you.” Gina got out

the rest of her sentence, and he nearly came right there.

“Gina.” She wriggled, and he moaned. “Can’t claim you like that.”

“Uh-huh.” Gina tugged on him, shoved him onto the bed and then straddled

him, his length settled along her moist slit. “You just have let me come first. Bite my

shoulder while I’m screaming your name and then,” she traced his left pec, “I’ll do the

same while you fill me with your cum.”

Gavin didn’t think that’d be a problem.

Chapter Three

“Sex is God’s greatest gift. Besides ice cream, and I’m not sure which is better.”

—Maya

O’Connell, Prima of the Ridgeville Pride and lover of ice cream…and sex.

Gina rolled her hips, enjoying the feel of Gavin’s cock sliding over her soaked

pussy. Damn! Pleasure danced through her, roaring over her nerves. She shuddered and

pressed down further, increased the pressure and moaned with the next slide as the tip

of his cock nudged her throbbing clit.

“Yes,” she hissed.

“Baby.”

She’d never get enough of that word. Jenner had—she pushed his name out of

her mind—men had always stressed her species. She hated the endearment “kitten.”

Hated it. Had a single male bothered to talk to her for more than five seconds, they

would have known her feelings.

Gavin hadn’t even gone there. He treated her like a woman first, lioness second.

She circled her hips, smiling at the flare of orange in his eyes.

“Fuck, baby… Need.”

Gina leaned forward, rose and reached back to grasp his cream-coated dick. Her

lips were a hairsbreadth from his, and she stroked his length. “Need what?”

He raised his head and nipped her lower lip; the scent of her blood joining the

fragrant aroma of their impending sex. “You.”

She hummed and repositioned his cock, placing the tip at her entrance. She

leaned back the tiniest bit, reveling in the hint of his possession and the flare of pleasure

that entered his gaze. “Like that?”

“Please.”

Oh, her man begged. She had her mate pleading.

Gina slid further down and took in more of his thick length. He was wide, almost

stretching her to the point of pain. A small pinching ache spread through her, the tiny

sting adding to the pleasure his dick created.

A small rise, and down again, taking more with each fall over his length. She sat

up and stared down at her fox, returning his smile.

“S’pretty. Beautiful above me.” His voice was low and thick.

Gavin slid his hands along her outer thighs, squeezing her flesh until he gripped

her hips. His nails pricked her skin, the claw-tipped digits reminding her that her mate

was both man and beast.

She cupped her breasts and rolled her nipples between thumb and forefinger,

increasing the pleasure with her own touch. His cock stroked her from within; the

ridges of his length caressed her walls, rubbing against her G-spot with each lowering.

Pleasure blossomed, coming to life and growing as she rode him. She gave him

snippets of ecstasy and took just as much in return.

His hands guided her movements and increased her pace until they were both

panting and groaning. A hint of sweat coated his brow, and his fox’s red fur peppered

his chest. Oh, Gavin’s fox wanted to play.

Fortunately, so did her lioness. The cat purred and petted her from within,

nudging a bit of Gina’s fur through her pores.

“You’re gorgeous.” He spoke around extended canines. Suddenly he sat up,

pressed their chests together as she continued to ride his thick cock. “Need closer…

Wanna crawl inside you… Make you mine.”

“Gavin.” She gasped and ground down onto him. The change in position had

him shoved against her pulsating clit. “Oh, God, Gavin.”

He scraped a fang over her chest, leaving a welt, a single line across the top of

her breast. “Do you want my mark here? Everywhere you go, men will see it… Know

you’re mine.”

A shudder overtook her. Her pussy clamped down on his cock and rippled

around his invasion. “Yes.”

Fuck, yes, gimme gimme gimme.

She wanted him to sink those sharp teeth into her

flesh and leave a scar no one could question.

Gavin sucked on her skin. He licked, nipped and scratched the spot where his

bite would appear. Every pull tugged her closer to release, nudging her toward her

peak. She continued her frenzied rise and fall, adding in a small rock each time their

hips met.

She moaned and growled and purred, and… Fuck, it was beyond good. His dick

pressed and rubbed all those perfect places, and each lowering stroked her clit in that

beautiful way. A fist of pleasure wrapped around her pussy, petting her and sending

bolts of ecstasy along her spine. Every flex of muscle nudged her toward that ultimate

bliss, and she craved that final step.

As soon as she came, as soon as she screamed with her release, she knew he

would strike.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” She increased her pace, anxious for his bite. Her pussy

rippled and tightened in a torturous rhythm, cunt spasming, and she upped her speed

once again. “Close.”

Gavin huffed and puffed along with her, his chest expanding and brushing her

nipples with his every breath. His furred chest teased her, rubbed the sensitive nubs.

His cock swelled inside her sheath. “Come on, baby. Come for me. Gimme what

I need.”

He kneaded her ass, those nails sinking deeper into her skin, gripping her

tighter. That bolt of added pain was what she needed. A sudden rush of sensation

overtook her, an overwhelming tide of pleasure, and she was gone.

With her pussy milking his cock, contracting in undulating ripples, she froze,

muscles strung tight, as the first bolt of release slammed forward. She no longer

controlled her body as it was overcome with the ecstasy. She sobbed with her orgasm,

but at the same time the spears of pleasure caused her to cry out, screaming with her

peak.

Gavin kept her grounded, hands maintaining her rhythm through her climax.

Then it was more. So, so much more.

A shard of pain raced through her body, chest burning with his piercing bite,

and she roared. The lioness was overjoyed with her mate’s claim and Gina’s fangs

descended, pushing past her gums and pricking her lower lip.

Just as Gavin released her chest, she shoved him down, forcing his back to

collide with the mattress. She flashed her fangs, knowing that most men ran at the sight

of her threatening teeth.

Gavin smiled, her blood staining his lips.

“Mine,” she snarled. Fingers shifting into claws, she dug the tips into his

shoulders, forcing him to remain supine beneath her. “Mine.”

Gina resumed her pace, aftershocks of her pleasure pounding through her veins.

“God. Gina.”

She deliberately milked him, tightening her muscles in time with each slide up

his cock.

“Fuck.” His eyes rolled back, lids fluttering closed.

She increased her speed, drawing him closer to his peak. She wanted him to

come in her. Needed him to climax so she could bite him and know that her claim

would increase his pleasure.

“Oh shit. Baby. Gina…” His words were punctuated with gasping breaths.

Gina’s cat purred within her mind, thrilled with giving their mate ecstasy as well

as the prospect of sinking her fangs into Gavin. Yes, she’d bite him, and he’d be hers.

Her mate. Her forever.

“Come, mate.” She growled the words, pushing them past her elongated teeth.

Gavin arched, pressed up with a howl. His dick jerked within her sheath and

warmth filled her, sliding deep into her pussy.

She struck, clamping down on his shoulder, and reveled in the heady taste of his

blood slithering over her tongue. She drank the life giving fluid, moaning with the

flavor, and then pulled back, unwilling to damage her mate.

He twitched beneath her, his cock still hard while she lapped at the wound. He’d

heal, but the scar would remain forever. It would signify their bond and tell every other

woman to take a hike.

He was hers.

They were both panting, trying to catch their breath after their fierce lovemaking.

She slumped against him, letting her new magnificent mate take her weight. He

wrapped his arms around her waist, pulled her even closer, and released a moan-tinged

sigh.

“Mine.” He nuzzled her neck, and she did the same.

“No, mine.” She smiled against his sweat-dampened skin.

They lay there together, and she was content to remain in his arms, bodies still

connected. Then the A/C kicked on.

She shivered, groaning as the first puff of chilly air ghosted over her moist skin.

“Mmm… Cold.” She buried her face even deeper.

“Cold. Sweaty. Bloody.”

She nodded.

“We could fix that with a shower.”

She shook her head. “Nuh-uh. Get clean, then dirty. Then clean. It’ll be a vicious

cycle. I don’t think we’ll leave the apartment ever again.”

“We’ll have to order in food, take breaks between sex and showers.” She heard

the smile in his voice, and he nipped her neck. “Maybe another bite over here so

everyone knows you’re mine.”

“Mmm…” She sighed; that idea had merit. She wiggled her ass, moaning when

his cock twitched within her pussy.

Gavin answered with a groan and flex of his hips, his dick swelling once again.

“Maybe shower later?”

“Uh-huh.” She pushed back with his next gentle thrust, relishing the feel of him

hardening.

Sweat coated them, blood was smeared on their mouths from the claiming, and

cum filled her pussy; but she didn’t care. She had her mate. And she was about to have

him again.

Then the heavy thud of a fist hitting the apartment door stilled them mid-thrust.

She sighed. Or maybe not.

Growling, Gavin flipped them, rolled her beneath him and pinned her to the bed

with his body. “Stay here. I’m going to kill them, and then I’ll be right back.”

Another roll and he rose from the bed, scooping up his jeans as he padded

toward the bedroom door.

Damn, the man looked as good going as he did coming. Yum. She’d take time to

nibble his bubble butt when he returned.

The click of the front door’s knob being turned reached her and the soft sound

was immediately followed by screeching. Lots and lots of screeching. With a sigh, she

rose from the bed, intent on saving her mate from the females of the pride.

*

The Ridgeville women were ruining his post-mating buzz. Destroying it,

actually.

The moment the door opened to reveal the gathered group of lionesses, rabbit,

squirrel, and fox, they’d started in on him.

“Elise said you’re going to Chicago. Chicago is evil. You can’t take Gina

anywhere!” Well, Maya was pretty blunt.

“Over my dead furball butt!” From what his sister had told him, Carly was

always a bit overdramatic.

“Look at all those muscles. Elise, you never said he was hiding all that yummy.”

He rolled his eyes at Maddy’s words. The woman had broken out of her shell and then

stomped on the thing.

“Dude. That’s gross.” His sister wrinkled her nose.

“Will somebody tell me why we’re yelling?” The little squirrel, Elly, sure could

scream. But, she got ’em quiet. Thank God.

The scent of his mate reached him before her delicate hand slid around his waist.

She pressed her body against his, slinking beneath his arm so it was draped over her

shoulders, the smooth fabric of one of his shirts sliding against his palm.

Only problem was that her appearance started them all again.

“You can’t leave! It’s an evil place, I tell ya. Evil. Ricker tried to do that with

Maddy and she bit him.” Maya snapped her teeth. “Well, I think she did. If she didn’t,

she should have!”

“It’s the foxiness, isn’t it? It’s just like a fox to be all…foxy.” Now Carly clicked

her little rabbit teeth at him.

“Hey, Gina, how’s the lickin’?” Maddy’s comment had his mate hissing and then

it was quiet.

Utterly silent.

“Madison?” Gina spoke through her teeth and his cock twitched in his jeans,

perking up at his mate’s anger. He couldn’t help it. He was twisted that way.

“Uh-huh?”

“Zip it.” His mate snapped the words then took a deep breath. A soft shudder

went through her, a slight flex of her muscles, and then she calmed. “Now, what’s the

number one reason y’all don’t want me to leave?” They all opened their mouths, and

Gina held up a finger. “A real reason, not just a ‘because I said so’.”

Four mouths snapped shut and then Maya spoke. “Because I’m the Queen of

Booblandia?”

Gina growled. Really. His cock went hard. Right there. Six to midnight in an

instant.

“No, you used to be, but the twins aren’t nursing anymore. They’re coming up

on two. Try again.” She took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“Fine.” Maya glared at him and then turned her attention to Gina. “Because, I

might, you know… Maybe. Could be.” The lioness looked at the sky. “Did you know

there’s a chance of sun showers? And what’s with the weathermen being wrong all the

time? And is it weatherwoman or weatherlady?” Gavin should have remembered that

Maya tended to babble about nothing before she got to the point. “And, hey,” the next

words were whispered. “I’ll miss you.”

“Aw, you know she’s a bitch when she’s sad. You can’t do that to us.”

“Seriously.”

“Not enough ice cream in the world to fix it.”

The women all spoke on top of each other, and he had a hard time figuring out

who said what. But, the bottom line was: the Prima would be upset.

Gina turned her attention to him, a hint of tears shining in her eyes and his heart

melted. Their move would tear her from her home, from her friends and family. He

could see the unasked question, recognized her silent begging, and he relented, willing

to do anything to keep her happy. Even invite half the town to come to Chicago to visit.

“Okay, no more than four of you at a time, and the twins count as two regardless

of whether the airlines charge you for their seats or not. Honestly, I should count them

as three since they destroy damn near everything.”

Maya glared at him for a moment, but he stood fast. His fox couldn’t stand

against a lion when shifted, but human-shaped Gavin could take the tiny female.

Maybe.

Finally, Maya nodded and stepped forward to brush a kiss across his cheek. His

mate hissed and snapped at the woman, and then the ladies were gone. All of them

tromping back the way they’d come.

“Did you see that? It’s just like a fox. He hypnotized her with all that foxiness.”

“Carly, do you even know what you’re talking about?” He could hear the

frustration in his sister’s voice.

There was a slight pause, “Not really, no.”

Unwilling to listen to any more of the women’s banter, he pushed the door

closed and leaned against it while staring at his mate. His gorgeous, beautiful, too-

good-for-him mate.

“C’mere.” He opened his arms and she stepped forward, falling into his

embrace. “I suppose you’re gonna miss them.”

“Yup.”

“And we’ll end up with more than four at a time?”

She nodded, a grin playing on those freshly-kissed lips. “Probably.”

Gavin growled and nipped her nose. “Fine. But right now, I’m gonna drag you

back into that room. We can deal with the rest tomorrow.”

He slipped past her, snagging her hand as he brushed by her seductively lush

body, and tugged her toward the bedroom. More importantly, the bed.

Gina pulled her hand from his grip. He heard two heavy stomps, and then she

was on his back, thighs wrapped around his waist and hands clutching his shoulders.

She nibbled his earlobe and whispered to him, heated breath fanning his ear. “You

gonna be all foxy? Like a fox with the foxiness?”

The happiness and pure joy were evident in her words, and he couldn’t wait to

spend the rest of his life mated to her. “Yeah, baby. Just like that.”

Forever and ever, like that.

The End

About Celia Kyle

Celia Kyle would like to rule the world and become a ninja. As a fallback, she’s

working on her writing career and giving readers stories that touch their hearts and

*ahem* other places.

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Copyright Page

Published by Summerhouse Publishing. Like a Fox. Ridgeville, Book 7. Copyright ©
2013 Celia Kyle. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under
International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or
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express written permission from the author.

Celia Kyle

http://celiakyle.com

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the
author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual
events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

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